USC coach Lane Kiffin did not decide on a starting quarterback Friday, but popular opinion probably is going to push hard for sophomore Cody Kessler after he passed for 231 yards and three touchdowns during the Trojans’ second scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Kessler played with the No. 2 offense against the No. 2 defense for more than half the scrimmage and completed 20 of 28 passes. Sophomore Max Wittek started and faced the No. 1 defense. He completed 2 of 7 passes for 15 yards and no touchdowns.

Kiffin was non-committal after the scrimmage.

“There’s no deadline (to name a starter),” he said. “I prefer to have a starter today. I would prefer to have had a starter a long time ago.”

The problem with Friday’s scrimmage was the No. 1 defense’s domination on Wittek’s four series, which prevented him from getting any momentum. Or first downs.

Wittek probably was not thrilled that on third-and-14 and third-and-10 situations in the first half, Kiffin elected to run the ball. But he said he was pleased after the scrimmage.

“I put my resume on tape throughout the course of camp,” Wittek said.

Stats can be misleading and it also should be noted two of Kessler’s touchdowns should have been intercepted. Cornerback Chris Hawkins failed to catch a pass in his arms while cornerback Kevon Seymour allowed wide receiver Darreus Rogers to simply reach over him and take away a pass.

“I have no idea (if I moved ahead),” Kessler said. “That’s Kiffin’s decision. No matter what he does I’m going to support it. I’m not trying to get caught up in it.”

With USC playing Hawaii in less than two weeks, Kiffin can either name a starter leading up to Wednesday’s third scrimmage or wait until after the scrimmage and let the new starter have one week of practices in charge of the offense.

The star of the scrimmage was freshman wide receiver Darreus Rogers, who simply took the ball away from the cornerbacks on a 3-yard touchdown pass and a 49-yard reception down the sideline. Those plays alone would wrap up the No. 3 wide receiver spot, but Rogers appears to make an interesting play daily.

“Things are definitely slowing down for me,” Rogers said. “I’m feeling more comfortable.”

Rogers caught nine passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

On taking away passes from the cornerbacks, Rogers said, “It’s the attitude I have for the ball.”

Even more impressive, Rogers made his plays Friday with an injured shoulder.

“Hopefully (the coaches) look at it like you guys do,” Rogers said on winning the No. 3 spot.

Update on Lee

Wide receiver Marqise Lee did not participate in the scrimmage to prevent further injury to his bruised shoulder. He should return today, Kiffin said.

Last week’s Coliseum scrimmage lasted 102 plays but Friday’s went for only 68. USC committed three penalties, including two by the defense. Kiffin wanted a shorter scrimmage because so many players are injured.

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